Customer Reviews

Measuring Performance : Using the new metrics to deploy strategy and improve performance

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This has to be one of the most sensible, best written books on performance measurement ever written. True, it's less than 100 pages and any single topic in the book would merit 100 pages, but the way the author clearly presents the information and his gift for explaining complex topics and concepts in simple terms makes this a valuable resource for those of us who never seem to catch up on our reading backlog.

Highlights: (1) Part 1's chapter on The Balanced Scorecard manages to capture the essence of Kaplan's and Norton's seminal book on that subject. (2) All of Part 2, including measurement models, defining metrics and the three-step method given by the author are invaluable tools. (3) Part 3's Using Metrics to Improve Performance is on the mark in each of the chapters. Likewise, Part 4's Advanced Metrics is excellent because the treatment of process and capability metrics makes these two topics understandable (I had a hard time grasping these topics in other books).

This book earns 5 stars and goes on my short list of books to recommend to clients and colleagues.

I just ordered several copies of this book for my organization since we are implementing a metrics program. I like the book very much because it is written in plain language and is an easy read. It does not overwhelm the reader but gives lots of good, basic ideas on where to begin a task such as measuring performance. This was a new area for us and this book helped - I have gotten rave reviews about it from my co-workers...it is definitely great for those people/organizations that need help getting started.

This was the question many of our service line leaders asked when the CEO told us we would collect, analyze, and report our service metrics to the Board of Directors. The problem was that very few persons understood what was meant by the term "metrics". Dr. Frost does an excellent job of explaining the importance of measuring performance to improve efficiency, meet regulatory standards, improve communication, improve safety, and serve as a basis for recognition and achievement. In just over 90 pages and two hours, I was convinced that I could make a difference in my organization by understanding and using metrics. Precise and clear explainations of the terms "balanced scorecard", and "key performance measures" served as catalysts to help me decide what to measure and how to do it. This is an excellent primer for the more rigorous study of measurement and metric design.

I used this as an introduction to performance management and KPI's with a group of people not used to thinking about strategies. The response was very positive. This book is a quick read and provides the equivalent of the "one minute manager" overview.

This primer presents the topic of measures in plain language, explaing how measures give leaders leverage to create change and produce better results. I found this book very useful in explaining the fundamentals of good measures and giving a rationale for improving measures to my clients. Well done!

I really enjoyed this book, especially for the price. It opened my eyes to how modern corporate measurements have been evoloving. My copy of this book has lots of sticky notes sticking out of it as there are a lot of novel points I want to go back to. The only bad thing about the book is that it is only 96 pages long. It is easy to read and makes a good reference book. I emailed the author a question and he quickly responded...added bonus.

If you know nothing about performance management this is your book. Simple, large letters, wide spacing and easy to read. A lot of general information together.
But if you are somewhat equiped in the field: don't buy this book. Not worth the trouble of buying.

This is a book for managers and practitioners in general.
It's major quality is simplicity.
Simplicity leads to easy understanding.
Understanding will make it easy to use the ideas and concepts presented.

Other books on the topics may have a lot more words, but usually to discuss cases, tell stories and so on.
This book summarizes the major concepts related to Performance Measurement in a very logic way, keeping simple what is simple.

If you know nothing about performance management this is a good inexpensive way to get started. Simple, large letters, wide spacing and easy to read. But if you are even remotely equipped in the field: don't buy this book. All common sense and general topics...Not worth the trouble

Bob's "Measuring Performance" book is small, concise and offers good, sound ideas and principles for measuring performance. No, it doesn't offer step by step instructions or templates or examples, it's not that kind of book. It's the kind of book I'd give to someone just exploring performance measurement, or just doing their first review of their organisation's approach to performance measurement. For me it was a great reminder of the principles of good performance measurement.